Citybike has grown considerably since it was launched in 2014 with 1,000 bikes available for hire from 140 docking stations across the city – but the council wants to cut the subsidy by £100,000 a year. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool’s Citybike bicycle hire scheme is to undergo a major overhaul with some little-used bike hire facilities being axed.

Citybike has grown considerably since it was launched in 2014 and there are now around 1,000 bikes available for hire from 140 docking stations across the city.

However, the city council is currently having to subsidise the scheme, covering costs such as repairs and maintenance, and is proposing a plan to cut the subsidy by £100,000 a year.

A report before the council’s cabinet on Friday, August 4, will recommend the service, currently run by external operator Hourbike, be brought in-house.

Since its launch Citybike has seen around 300,000 rentals to date, with usage up significantly year-on-year.

And those using the bikes have cycled a total of 1.4m miles so far. However, data shows that 80% of the hires come from just 20% of the docking stations.

The council will consider closing those less popular stations but then seeking sponsorship to extend the scheme to other parts of the city region.

Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for highways, said: “Citybike has been a huge success in terms of the number of people using the cycles to get around Liverpool, evidenced by the number of people we see riding around on them, particularly in the city centre.

“We know the scheme brings huge benefits and that people use them to get to work or for leisure and that they are great for tourists to explore our city.

“It is a much better environmental option than any other method of transport and it is great for people’s health.

“There is a fine balance between making the scheme attractive and affordable to users.

“We are committed to keeping it running, but given the financial pressures we are under, we need to look hard at making savings where we can.”